The European Union (EU) presently gets most of its African graphite from the Molo mine in Madagascar. However, the Old Continent buys up to 97% of its natural graphite from China. Meanwhile, demand in the European market is expected to surpass 500,000 tonnes per year by 2030. This is good news for Africa which could supply this market. Blencowe Resources has joined SAFELOOP, an EU-funded...

Smart Africa Alliance started in 2013 with a goal to turn Africa into one big digital market by 2030. Digital technology is now a major force for development, making this mission even more important to solve many of Africa’s challenges. At the 2024 Digital Transformation Forum (ATDA) in Abidjan, Smart Africa’s CEO, Lacina Koné, talked to Ecofin Agency (EA) about the alliance’s projects and...

Safaricom Ethiopia announced on November 22 that it has expanded its 4G network to Nekemte City, enhancing connectivity and digital access. The rollout, supported by 32 advanced towers and a fiber backbone, brings high-speed internet to the region. This expansion also creates employment opportunities for 250 residents through five distributor shops. The initiative reflects Safaricom’s...

The Mauritanian government continues to push telecom operators to provide quality services to consumers. For instance, on October 31, Mauritel announced an investment program worth about $35 million to modernize and expand its telecom network. On November 26, the Mauritanian Regulatory Authority (ARE) announced that it had imposed both financial and administrative sanctions on telecom...

Africa faces significant connectivity gaps, despite rapid mobile penetration. ORAN is especially valuable in emerging markets like Africa, where cost-efficient solutions are crucial for expanding rural coverage and modernizing networks to support growing data demand. On November 28, MTN Group announced a partnership with the ORAN Development Company (ODC) based in Northern Virginia. This...

The progression from 5G to 5G-Advanced represents a critical step in telecommunications.  This advancement aligns with the continent's need for smart, scalable solutions that drive economic resilience and inclusivity. MTN South Africa, in collaboration with integrated ICT solutions provider ZTE Corporation, has launched a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) public experience. The event, announced on...

Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into Nigeria have significantly increased since President Tinubu eased currency controls and implemented other investment-friendly measures. Although Nigeria is not yet a member of the BRICS, the country has clearly shown its interest in joining the group, while maintaining strong trade relations with its member countries. In June 2024, Nigeria...

After Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, Chad has now announced the end of its military agreements with its long-time ally, France. Paris has 1,000 troops stationed in Chad, and their future will likely be discussed in the coming days. On the night of November 28, Chad announced its decision to terminate military agreements with France. The move, framed as an assertion of sovereignty, represents a...

Australia's Leo Lithium, co-owner of Mali's first lithium mine, has sold its entire stake in the project to its joint venture partner, China's Ganfeng Lithium. Mali is set to receive tax payments from the new owner. Leo Lithium completed the sale of its 40% stake in Goulamina, Mali's first lithium mine, to China's Ganfeng Lithium on November 26, 2024. The Australian company reported that the...

Four Barrick Gold employees were arrested last September. However, they were released after the company struck a deal with the Malian government. Mali now pursues Barrick Gold for around $500 million. Barrick owns the largest gold mine in the country. As its dispute with the Malian government persists, four Barrick Gold employees have been arrested in the West African country. The Canadian...